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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I passed my mucus plug which was immediately followed by my water breaking.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The fact that I wasn't able to have an all natural birth. I had 30 hours of unproductive, excruciating contractions. I dilated 3 cm in 30 hours. Sometimes your body has different plans for you.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
I meditated, exercised, had regular prenatal massage and chiropractic treatments, used evening primrose oil, nipple stimulation and red raspberry leaf tea...and whilst I think these things helped, the most helpful thing I did was choose an amazing doula, OB and midwife. If I didn't have them, I may not have had a vaginal delivery.
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What surprised you about your birth?
How painful and exhausting it was. My pain tolerance is not particularly low, I'm young, healthy and had an uncomplicated pregnancy. When my OB told me that you feel like you are going to die, I should have believed her. I didn't enter my pregnancy or birth with any fear or anxiety. I believed in my body's ability to push through the pain with focus and determination. Nothing could have prepared me for how it all went down. I wish I hadn't been so stubborn as to refuse pain relief and pitocin when my midwife suggested it at 24 hrs of contractions. I didn't need to suffer for as long as I did. And I did so because I didn't want the pain to win. The most important thing we can do is listen to our bodies, even when our bodies go against our plans.
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Our bodies are strong! But listen to them. Sometimes our bodies know better than our hearts and minds. And remember you don't have to suffer and certainly not alone. Choose a support and medical team that you implicitly trust and respect.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Massage, ball and epidural.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Euphoric!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Our bodies are strong! But listen to them. Sometimes our bodies know better than our hearts and minds. And remember you don't have to suffer and certainly not alone. Choose a support and medical team that you implicitly trust and respect.
